Form of comparatives and superlatives

Adjectives

To form comparatives and superlatives of most one- and two-syllable adjectives, use the endings -er and -est.

POSITIVE

COMPARATIVE

SUPERLATIVE

smooth

smoother

smoothest

easy

easier

easiest

With longer adjectives, use more and most (or less and least for downward comparisons).

POSITIVE

COMPARATIVE

SUPERLATIVE

exciting

more exciting

most exciting

helpful

less helpful

least helpful

Adverbs

Some one-syllable adverbs take the endings -er and -est, but longer adverbs and all of those ending in -ly form the comparative and superlative with more and most (or less and least).

POSITIVE

COMPARATIVE

SUPERLATIVE

fast

faster

fastest

quickly

more quickly

most quickly

Irregular forms

The comparative and superlative forms of the following adjectives and adverbs are irregular:

POSITIVE

COMPARATIVE

SUPERLATIVE

good

better

best

well

better

best

bad

worse

worst

badly

worse

worst

Exercises:

Adjectives and adverbs 1

Adjectives and adverbs 2

Adjectives and adverbs 3

Related topics:

Comparatives and superlatives

Double comparatives and superlatives

Absolute concepts